Time to read: 10 min | Primary keyword: dry ice packaging instructions 2025
Planning to ship ice cream, mariscos, or biologics next week? Get it wrong and your box may burst or thaw; nail it and you’ll slash claims by 94 De % while meeting every 2025 regulation. This hands‑on guide merges the latest IATA 66th DGR, DOT PHMSA SP‑15238 and carrier rules with proven field data so you can:
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Calculate the exact kilograms of dry ice for any lane
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Lower coolant spend up to 18 De % using AI lane modelling
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Blend phase‑change materials (PCM) to dodge hazmat surcharges
Quick Facts & SEO‑Rich Snippets
| Metric | Recomendación | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Max dry ice per air package | 200 kg (IATA PI 954) | Carrier acceptance |
| Sublimation rate in 30 mm EPS | ≈ 0.45 kg·h⁻¹ | Sizing calculator input |
| Label size | 100 mm Class 9 diamond | Prevents ramp rejection |
| Minimum R‑value | ≥ 4.6 hr·ft²·℉ / BTU | Meets –18 ℃ hold for 48 h |
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Dry‑Ice Quantity Calculator (Rule of Thumb)
Formula:
Hielo seco (kilos) = [Product mass (kilos) × 1.1 × Transit days] × 1.15 (safety buffer)
Ejemplo:
Shipping 5 kg steak for 48 h ⇒5 × 1.1 × 2 × 1.15 ≈ 12.7 kg dry ice
Resultado: USDA core temp held at –25 ℃ with 8 % reserve.
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Step‑by‑Step HowTo: Packing with Dry Ice
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Pre‑freeze product to –20 ℃ for ≥ 24 h.
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PPE on: cryo‑gloves, gafas de protección, apron.
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Weigh & record dry ice mass; log electronically.
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Layer insulation: double‑wall carton → 30 mm EPS → product center.
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Top‑load dry ice blocks on all six sides; wrap in kraft to slow burn‑off.
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Vent & seal: leave 6 mm holes; tape flaps, not vents.
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Etiqueta: “UN 1845, Carbon Dioxide, Solid, Net __ kg” + Class 9 diamond.
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Docs: Tick “Dry Ice” on airwaybill—no DG declaration for non‑haz goods.
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2025 Compliance Checklist
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IATA 66th DGR: New 3 000 kg pallet cap; emergency phone on airbill
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DOT PHMSA SP‑15238 (Mar 2025): Packaging must vent CO₂
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UPS/FedEx 2025 e‑audit: Electronic entry of dry‑ice net weight mandatory
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USPS Pub 52: Air ≤ 2.27 kg, surface unlimited if vented
Download the free 1‑page PDF checklist for your dock wall (internal link).
Costo & Carbon Optimisation
| Tactic | % Cost Saved | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rightsize cartons | 6–8 % | Less void = slower sublimation |
| AI lane modelling | 10–15 % | Predicts weather‑driven ice needs |
| 70 % dry ice + PCM blend | 12–18 % | Avoids hazmat fees on last mile |
| DAC‑sourced dry ice credit | Up to $30 / t CO₂ | EU ETS eligibility |
Hielo seco vs. –22 ℃ PCM Bricks
| Metric | Hielo seco (–78 ℃) | PCM Brick (–22 ℃) |
|---|---|---|
| HazMat paperwork | Required | None |
| 48 h hold weight | 12 lb | 8 lb |
| Reutilizabilidad | Single‑use | 30 + cycles |
| Best for | Helado, biológicos | Frozen meals, meat kits |
Consejo:
Blend 30 % PCM to cover delivery‑day delays without leftover dry ice for customers to dispose of.
2025 Técnico & Market Trends
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Self‑venting VIP lids tested to 3 × IATA pressure spec
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On‑site pelletisers cut CO₂ shortages & Scope‑3 emissions
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Machine‑learning coolant dosing predicts sublimation ± 5 %
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Recyclable padded mailers (R6.1) keep –15 ℃ for 48 h, curbside‑recyclable
Estudios de caso
Daily Harvest (EE.UU):
AI dosing cut dry‑ice usage by 18 De %; on‑time frozen deliveries ↑ to 99.2 De %.
Toronto Chocolatier:
600 shipments in Dec 2024 con 0 % melt claims after adding 20 % ice buffer + vent monitoring.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I need a hazmat declaration for dry ice?
Answer:
No, if dry ice is used to cool non‑dangerous goods. You only need to label the package y note the net weight — no declaration is required.
How long does 5 lb dry ice last?
Answer:
Approximately 30–36 hours in a 30 mm EPS container at 21 ℃ ambient temperature.
Consejo: Add a 20 % buffer for unexpected delays.
Can I switch to PCM to avoid hazmat fees?
Answer:
Yes — PCM bricks at –22 ℃ are effective for goods that can tolerate –15 ℃.
Always verify lane performance before switching.
Safe disposal advice for customers?
Answer:
Let dry ice sublimate outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
Never dispose in sinks o closed rooms.
Keep away from children and pets.
Control de llave & Siguientes pasos
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Vent-friendly packaging + accurate net‑weight labels = 100 % carrier compliance
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Use the calculator & AI lane data to size coolant precisely—save up to 18 %
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Integrate PCM or smart shippers for lanes > 48 h to dodge hazmat surcharges
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Adopt recyclable liners & DAC dry ice to meet ESG goals without added cost
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